Been trying to deal with ITB syndrome, which started with my new bike. Never had it on my ol' Roubaix. I've got the saddle height, and fore and aft saddle position identical between the two bikes.I switched away from the plats I was using on my new bike to the same Shimano PD540's I've been using on the old...with same shoes.
The damned ITB pain started coming back just a little, about 12 miles into my usual 20 mile loop. Better than before, but all is still not quite right. I have got to get RID of this! So, it occurred to me to measure the width between the crankarms on the two bikes, because it looked narrower on my old Roubaix. Bingo...almost 2cm narrower than on my Bleriot, which is a heavier steel frame, and uses a touring crank. I don't think there's that much dif in the bottom bracket width between the two, but the Roubaix's FSA crank arms are definitely closer in to midline. Could that be the confounding variable that's been eluding me?

I understand your pain...

I've been dealing with knee issues that I've narrowed down to my ITB. What I have read, however is that a narrow stance can cause the problem. Personally I believe everyone is different so for you maybe the wide stance is causing problems with knee alignment in relation to your hips. I have no real answers, but can offer some advice on what has helped me. I am currently riding a Roubaix with a triple and one with a double, neither bike seems to cause to the ITB to flare up. I feel slight pain, but have more issues with workouts at the gym and just walking or running. Either way I've found that using a foam roller religiously, stretching, ITB specific exercises and Active Release Therapy have all helped greatly in reducing the symptoms. From what I have read ridding yourself of ITBS is a long and strenuous affair and it won't just go away. Mine came on quickly last March when I switched from MTB shoes and pedals to road shoes and pedals on my Roubaix triple. I had various pro fittings and such, none those brought around rapid relief. The foam roller was what really brought the symptoms under control. I'm confident that I should rid myself of this over the summer. Also, from what I have read rest is very important, but again everyone is different. Since I don't have an increase in pain during or after riding I'm staying on the bike, but I'm careful.

I understand your pain...

I've been dealing with knee issues that I've narrowed down to my ITB. What I have read, however is that a narrow stance can cause the problem. Personally I believe everyone is different so for you maybe the wide stance is causing problems with knee alignment in relation to your hips. I have no real answers, but can offer some advice on what has helped me. I am currently riding a Roubaix with a triple and one with a double, neither bike seems to cause to the ITB to flare up. I feel slight pain, but have more issues with workouts at the gym and just walking or running. Either way I've found that using a foam roller religiously, stretching, ITB specific exercises and Active Release Therapy have all helped greatly in reducing the symptoms. From what I have read ridding yourself of ITBS is a long and strenuous affair and it won't just go away. Mine came on quickly last March when I switched from MTB shoes and pedals to road shoes and pedals on my Roubaix triple. I had various pro fittings and such, none those brought around rapid relief. The foam roller was what really brought the symptoms under control. I'm confident that I should rid myself of this over the summer. Also, from what I have read rest is very important, but again everyone is different. Since I don't have an increase in pain during or after riding I'm staying on the bike, but I'm careful.
Thanks for your detailed reply! I just ordered the dreaded foam roller, since I've heard from several folks this is what helped them more than anything. Active release therapy, the nearest practitioner is in Albuquerque. Maybe I'll make the pilgrimage. I'd been doing the rest/ice/ITB stretch routine pretty religiously, and only started back after I was pain free for 2 weeks. 6-7 miles was A-OK; 20 miles not so OK, but far milder than the original symptoms. Now I don't feel so bad, reading how yours came on. FWIW, I've also got plantar fasciitis in the left foot, which is the affected side; my massage therapist says it's all connected, so I guess I'll have to deal with that as well. Sigh...getting old. It ain't for sissies! How the hell do people manage, who don't ride? Your reply has given me great hope, and I thank you very much for your kindness.

Also consider a custom bike fit from a certified fitter.

I have some ITB syndome on my left leg and some patellar tendonitis on both knees.

Stemmed from muscle imbalance issues and some left leg alignment problems. My left leg kicked in a bit towards the bottom of the pedal stroke.

Got a custom bike fit, and they customize some shoe orthodics to properly align my left leg. Went to a sports medicine center (doctors and therapists), and they showed me some exercises to rebalance my leg muscles.

Did all of this during February. I was previously in pain since May of last year, and now I am completely off of Ibuprofen. Still not 100%, but getting better every week.

Ponch

you can do a lot worse than to:

1 read Andy Pruitt book called Medical Guide for Cyclists

2 post your question on www.cyclingnews.com in their fitness Q&A section and see what Steve Hogg suggests (the man is a wizard in cycle-fit, he helped me a lot and recently cured my riding buddy).

Personally, I have a feeling that your cleats angles (rotational, float, position etc) may not be to your leg's liking. I would also move the cleats further back towards the heel of the shoe, in many cases as far back as you can (and possibly lower saddle by same amount to compensate).

you can do a lot worse than to:

1 read Andy Pruitt book called Medical Guide for Cyclists

2 post your question on www.cyclingnews.com in their fitness Q&A section and see what Steve Hogg suggests (the man is a wizard in cycle-fit, he helped me a lot and recently cured my riding buddy).

Personally, I have a feeling that your cleats angles (rotational, float, position etc) may not be to your leg's liking. I would also move the cleats further back towards the heel of the shoe, in many cases as far back as you can (and possibly lower saddle by same amount to compensate).
Have that book, thanks! Posted an email query to Steve. Move the cleats further back? Might try it, but I have to say, since I've gotten back on my 'old' bike (heh...), it's not bothering me much. Go figger.

Been trying to deal with ITB syndrome, which started with my new bike. Never had it on my ol' Roubaix. I've got the saddle height, and fore and aft saddle position identical between the two bikes.I switched away from the plats I was using on my new bike to the same Shimano PD540's I've been using on the old...with same shoes.
The damned ITB pain started coming back just a little, about 12 miles into my usual 20 mile loop. Better than before, but all is still not quite right. I have got to get RID of this! So, it occurred to me to measure the width between the crankarms on the two bikes, because it looked narrower on my old Roubaix. Bingo...almost 2cm narrower than on my Bleriot, which is a heavier steel frame, and uses a touring crank. I don't think there's that much dif in the bottom bracket width between the two, but the Roubaix's FSA crank arms are definitely closer in to midline. Could that be the confounding variable that's been eluding me?

That's a HUGE difference, especially if you put a lot of miles into training your pedal stroke with the narrower Q-factor.

I was introduced to "that foam roller" by a friend about three weeks ago. I have been using it everyday for about 60 seconds per exercise and am doing a total of five exercises per day concentrating on legs only. I do not suffer from any ITB issues but with in the three weeks of use have I have noticed an increase in my lactic acid threshold.

It is defiantly something that I will continue to use and would recommend it to anyone weather they suffer from ITB or not..